Canaan— Rita I. McAlister 80 of Canaan died on Sunday July 29, 2012 at the Genesis Center Lebanon. She was born in Topsham, Vermont on May 9, 1932 a daughter of Ernest and Alice (Farrington) Monroe. She grew up in Canaan and was married to Donald E. McAlister on June 12, 1948. They made their home in Canaan and Mr. McAlister died in 2000. Rita had been employed by Cardigan Mountain School for many years and took up crafting later in life. She owned and operated Frog Pond Crafts in Canaan for many years. She loved going to yard sales with her friends and her family recalls she was often out of the car before it stopped! Her greatest love was spending time with her family. She is survived by two sons Jack and David McAlister both of Canaan, daughter in law Vicky McAlister of Canaan, two grandchildren Beth McAlister of Canaan and PFC Adam McAlister serving in Afghanistan with the US Army. Graveside services will be held on Thursday August 2nd at 2:00PM in the Canaan Street Cemetery with the Rev. Dr. Kevin Schwamb officiating. Memorial Contributions can be made in her name to the Canaan FAST Squad c/o Carol Goodman, PO Box 35, Canaan, NH 03741.